infoCycling, Fall 2005

infoCycling, Fall 2005

• Revised adjustment method and DRS regulations
• Waste diversion tools for jurisdictions, large venues, and large events
• Procurement—EPP
• Tire—Derived Product Grant Program
• GPS technology
• California Green Lodging Program
• Plastic film recycling
• Plastic Bag Report
• Editor's note

Revised adjustment method and DRS regulations

Revisions to the adjustment method and disposal reporting system (DRS) regulations were adopted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) on June 14, 2005. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved the revised regulations, and they will go into effect on January 1, 2006.

Changes are largely based on CIWMB-approved recommendations for improving DRS and the overall goal measurement system as found in the CIWMB’s 2001 Report to the Legislature, A Comprehensive Analysis of the Integrated Waste Management Act Diversion Rate Measurement System. The recommendations for changes came from working groups comprised of waste haulers, solid waste facility operators, county disposal report coordinators, jurisdiction representatives, environmental group members, consultants, and the Board. The revised adjustment method and DRS regulations were developed during both informal and formal rulemaking processes which involved extensive public participation.

DRS regulations set minimum standards for tracking and reporting waste disposal information. Disposal facilities or local requirements may set more stringent standards.

Some of the major regulatory changes are:

• Scales and weighing requirements established for solid waste facilities—While the existing regulations require facility operators to determine tons of waste, there are no specific guidelines for determining the tonnage. The revised regulations would require scales at facilities that receive more than 100 tons of waste per day, or more than 200 tons per day for facilities in rural jurisdictions, and operate more than 52 days per year. Facilities with scales would be required to weigh each compacted load of solid waste and each uncompacted load greater than 12 cubic yards. The revisions also would allow facilities to request an exemption from the scales requirement due to a hardship or to request approval of an alternative system for weighing waste. A transfer station that sends loads to be weighed at destination landfills or transformation facilities would not be required to weigh loads at the transfer station.
• Training requirements—The revised regulations would require employees of hauling companies, solid waste facilities, counties, jurisdictions, and districts to be trained in the DRS requirements as related to their job duties. This requirement was added to improve employees’ knowledge of DRS requirements, which will help to improve DRS accuracy.
• Record keeping requirements—The revised regulations would make the existing record keeping requirements more specific in order to facilitate timelier access to records. For example, the revised regulations specify a time frame for responding to a request to review records. Additionally, the revisions contain provisions for CIWMB review of potentially confidential information.
• Daily origin surveys—For the majority of solid waste facilities in DRS, the waste origin survey frequency would be increased from one week per quarter to daily surveys for all compacted loads of waste and uncompacted loads greater than 12 cubic yards. Uncompacted loads of 12 cubic yards or less at all solid waste facilities may be surveyed during the same standard week each quarter as set in the current regulations. Additionally, all loads received at facilities in rural jurisdictions may be surveyed during the standard quarterly survey weeks. Increased survey frequency has been shown to improve origin data accuracy.
• New quarterly reporting requirements for transfer stations—Transfer station operators would be required to send a quarterly notification to counties. The notification includes information such as the names of the solid waste facilities to which the transfer station sent waste, the percentage of waste allocated to each jurisdiction, the estimated tons of waste sent to each receiving solid waste facility, tons of materials sent to receiving facilities that were identified for beneficial reuse, and tons of waste sent off-site for reuse, recycling, or composting.
• New quarterly reporting requirements for landfills—The revised regulations would require a landfill operator to include jurisdiction allocations of all waste received by the landfill in the report to the agency (county or regional agency). Each landfill would also be required to report estimated in-place density and waste-to-cover ratio or airspace utilization factor to assist the CIWMB in calculating the state’s remaining landfill capacity. Landfills will also be required to track additional information on amounts of other beneficial reuse, construction and demolition (C&D) debris/inert debris, designated waste, and disaster waste.

New annual report on methods—Operators of transfer stations, landfills, and transformation facilities would be required to submit an annual report on disposal reporting methods to the agency. Information required for the annual report includes: frequency of origin surveys used at a site, methods used to track specific waste types such as C&D debris/inert debris, and volumetric conversion factors used to estimate waste tonnage. Information in these reports would allow parties to verify information and issues that might influence disposal reporting data accuracy.

To assist various entities in complying with the regulations (as approved by OAL), the CIWMB will develop various optional tools, including:

• A model request for an exemption from the scales requirement or implementation of an alternative weighing system.
• A model station notification.
• An electronic disposal data system.
• Training modules which may be used to satisfy the requirements.

The final OAL approved DRS regulations are on the CIWMB’s Regulations web page. Additionally, the CIWMB will send information regarding implementation of the revised regulations via e-mail, fax, or U.S. mail. To help us update our mailing list, please contact Diane Shimizu with the following information:

• Your name
• Jurisdiction/Company name
• Affiliation(s) (hauler, facility operator, agency, jurisdiction, district, etc.)
• Mailing address
• E-mail address
• Fax number
• Telephone number

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Waste diversion tools for jurisdictions, large venues, and large events

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) is continuing to develop tools to assist local jurisdictions, large venues, and large events implement waste diversion programs and efforts as outlined in Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004 (Montanez, AB 2176). Large venues and large events (as defined in Public Resources Code (PRC) section 42648) must plan for solid waste reduction and annually report their progress in implementing their plan upon request of their local jurisdiction.

The CIWMB is finalizing a step-by-step guide to assist large venues and large events in establishing and implementing a waste reduction plan. The CIWMB hopes to have the guide available in spring 2006. A sample letter jurisdictions can use to contact the venues and events in their area will be available soon on the CIWMB’s venues and events website. The letter helps jurisdictions by:

• Informing large venues and large events of the mandates.
• Assisting venues and events in determining if they qualify as large under the law.
• Assisting large venues and large events in determining if they are in the top 10 percent of waste generators among venues and events.
• Assisting jurisdictions in finding out what waste diversion programs large venues and large events already have in place.

Starting with the 2005 reporting year, local jurisdictions must report to the CIWMB on the top 10 percent (by waste generated) of the large venues and large events. The legislation specifies that, to the extent that the information is readily available to the local agency, the local agency shall report:

• Name, location, and brief description of the venue or event.
• Brief description and types of waste generated.
• Types and estimated weight of materials disposed.
• Types and estimated weight of materials diverted.
• Existing solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs.

Although jurisdictions are not yet required to submit their 2004 annual report, the CIWMB is already developing the large venues and large events portion of the 2005 annual report. Once that portion of the annual report is completed, the CIWMB will make available a model report that jurisdictions can provide to the large venues and large events to aid in obtaining standardized information that will meet the CIWMB 2005 reporting requirements. Look for that report in early spring 2006.

Local jurisdictions must provide large venues and large events with information to assist them in reducing waste when they are issued a permit. Visit the venues and events website in mid-November 2005 to download a brochure that you can use for this purpose. The brochure can be used as written, but we strongly encourage you to add relevant local contacts and information.

The CIWMB has been meeting with local jurisdictions, haulers, venue managers, event planners, and other interested parties to assist them in interpreting and implementing the law. A workshop was held in September 2005 in San Diego. Other regional workshops will be held in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, Central California, and Sacramento areas. Details can be found on the CIWMB's News and Events web page as they become available.

Please help us to help others. On our Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events website, we would like to share waste reduction ordinances, policies, brochures, and other information that you may have adopted with other jurisdictions, venues, and events. To assist venues and events, the CIWMB is establishing a network of venues and events that are willing to share with others their experiences in implementing a waste reduction program. If you know of a good candidate to be listed, please let us know.

Contact Debra Kustic with questions or to share information.

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Procurement—Environmentally preferable purchasing

Environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) is the procurement of goods and services that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment as compared to competing goods and services serving the same purpose. EPP is about smart purchasing – buying products that give you the best value; are long lasting, high-quality, safer, less toxic, reusable, easy to recycle; material-, water-, and energy-efficient; and minimize our impact on California’s natural environment.

California’s EPP law (Public Contract Code sections 12400–12404) directs the Department of General Services (DGS), in consultation with the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA), members of the public, industry, and public health and environmental organizations, to provide State agencies with information and assistance regarding EPP.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) maintains several EPP web pages. These pages hold a wide array of information to help local government, businesses, State agencies, large State facilities, and others implement and further develop their EPP practices. Topics covered include EPP laws and sample procurement policies, the State’s EPP Task Force, the California Green Lodging Program, tools and resources, news and events, links to other EPP resources, a glossary, recycled-content products, and contacts. Brief summaries of the web pages are provided below.

CIWMB web pages

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing offers links to various web pages discussing ways to minimize our impact on human health and the environment through EPP practices. These practices can be integrated into your home and work environments.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Laws and Policies provides information on EPP laws and policies and links to sample procurement policies to assist organizations in adopting EPP practices. Sample procurement policies are also available on the CIWMB’s Local Government Assistance Library Model Procurement Policies web page and on the Buy Recycled Green Procurement Polices web page.

EPP Task Force provides information on the purpose and membership of the EPP Task Force and a link to its Draft Policy Objectives.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, Green Lodging, California Green Lodging Program introduces green travel, conference planning, and lodging. At the heart of the program is a list of green hotels that State employees and others are encouraged to use. Some other beneficial web pages available include Green Resources for Travelers, Green Resources for Hotels , and Green Lodging Forms, Applications and Resources.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Tools and Resources provides specifications, reports, and other resources.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing News and Events provides recent news and upcoming events relating to EPP.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Links presents an abundance of EPP-related information and resources by providing links to various web pages.

EPP Glossary lists terms often used when considering EPP options.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Contacts provides contact information for individuals who work on EPP for the State of California. They can make referrals when needed.

Recycled—content products

One thing to consider when reviewing a product’s environmental attributes is whether or not it contains recycled material. The benefits of buying recycled-content products (RCP) include creating jobs, improving markets for recycled products, diverting waste from landfills, reducing manufacturing waste and pollution, and reducing energy consumption.

Recycled—Content Product Directory lists thousands of products containing recycled materials.

RecycleStore showcases a wide array of RCPs that are made by California businesses.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual—Coming soon!

The EPP Task Force, with sponsorship from the Governor’s Green Action Team, DGS, and the CIWMB, and support from Cal/EPA and other State agencies, is developing a web-based Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual for State purchasers. The online manual will be available by the end of the year. The manual will eventually cover the full range of products and services that local and State agencies use. The manual will be accessible from the DGS Procurement Division’s website and the CIWMB’s EPP web page. Please stay tuned!

Practicing EPP means choosing products and services that offer the best value, not only in terms of cost and performance, but for the health of fellow employees, our environment, and our families. Everyone makes a difference.

Contact information

For more information about environmentally preferable purchasing, contact Kimya Lambert.

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2005/2006 Tire—Derived Product Grant Program

The California Integrated Waste Management Board’s (CIWMB) Tire-Derived Product Grant Program promotes markets for recycled-content products derived from waste tires generated in California and decreases the adverse environmental impacts created by unlawful disposal and stockpiling of waste tires. To obtain detailed information on the grant, go to the Tire-Derived Product Grant Program web page.

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Did you know?

GPS technology—Potential for increased accuracy in the disposal reporting system

New business uses for computerized global positioning systems (GPS) are emerging rapidly. For example, waste management operations are beginning to use GPS for fleet management. This technology is improving route efficiencies and reducing fuel usage, gas emissions, and operating costs. The growing use of GPS in landfill operations is helping to increase productivity by maximizing compaction, preserving airspace, and reducing the costs of cover materials, labor, and equipment.

Another indirect benefit of GPS is the potential for increased accuracy in reporting the origin of waste for the disposal reporting system. GPS can capture the precise latitude and longitude for each route site and could provide electronic documentation for verification purposes. GPS has already been implemented in various areas.

Links to articles highlighting examples of GPS implementation in waste management operations are listed below:

MSW Management, January/February 2004

Waste Age, November 1, 2004

WirelessDevNet.com Press Release, June 30, 2003

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California Green Lodging Program

Next time you take a trip or plan a conference, choose a facility that puts a priority on taking good care of you and the environment. That’s the message of the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s (CIWMB) California Green Lodging Program, designed to encourage travelers and meeting planners to choose “green hotels.” “Green hotels” are establishments that divert waste from landfill disposal and save resources, energy, and water through environmentally friendly business practices.

The California Green Lodging Program assists hotels and conference centers with marketing their facilities to State and local government employees for travel and conference planning. Every time you “travel green,” you help support those facilities that are working to create a healthier and more productive environment for all Californians. So the next time you travel or plan a conference, please consider using one of the fine participating hotels in the California Green Lodging Program.

Additional information can be found on the California Green Lodging Program website. From this website, you will find links to a multitude of web pages to help you plan your “green” trip and conference. These web pages are briefly discussed below.

Green Resources for Travelers offers information to assist travelers in making environmentally friendly choices while traveling or planning a conference. You can find links to the following web pages:

• List of Participating Hotels
• Department of General Services, Statewide Travel Programs
• Comment Card

Green Resources for Hotels provides information and a survey for hotels to apply for consideration in the California Green Lodging Program.

Contact information

If you have any questions, contact Roberta Kunisaki or Monique Sikich.

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Driving forces and restraining factors shift: Breaking the barriers to plastic film recycling

Beginning October 2004, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) started working with representatives of the plastics industry and other interested parties to collect data on the current state of film plastic generation, disposal, export, and recycling. This effort has identified the need for increased plastic film recycling as a priority problem for the following reasons:

• The volume of plastic film in California’s waste stream is growing. The CIWMB estimates that nearly 3.4 billion pounds of plastic film are disposed annually (about 97 pounds per capita), about 4.3 percent of the state’s overall waste stream by weight, or 8 to 10 percent by volume.
• Plastic film, especially grocery bags, constitutes a high percentage of litter, which is unsightly and costly to clean up, especially when it enters marine environments. Plastic film causes serious negative impacts to shore birds and sea life. Because it easily becomes airborne in light winds, plastic film is a particularly burdensome litter nuisance in general and specifically to landfill and waste facility operators.
• Recycling rates for plastic film are very low. Currently, the CIWMB estimates that less than 5 percent of plastic film in California is recycled.
• Production of plastic film from virgin resources consumes petroleum and other natural resources. Very little recycled material is used to produce film, although increasing recycled content can reduce the use of energy and other scarce natural resources.

The table below summarizes the key barriers and opportunities to increase recycling of plastic film generated in priority areas, focusing on residentially and commercially generated plastic film and agriculturally generated film.

Current Infrastructure and Key Barriers to Expanding Plastic Film Recycling

More detailed information developed through this process is available on the following CIWMB web pages:

• Plastics Information and Resources
• Market Information Resources
• Plastic Waste Prevention

The CIWMB proposes to help increase plastic film recycling by working cooperatively with local governments, companies, organizations, and individuals involved in plastic film manufacture, sales, use, and recycling. The CIWMB’s objectives are planning and developing implementation projects and programs.

Plastics conference held October 11–12, 2005, at the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA)

A conference on Increasing Plastics Collection and Recycling held October 11-12, 2005, at Cal/EPA, summarized cooperative efforts on plastic film recycling in California; encouraged increased efforts and investment by plastic film users, manufacturers, sellers, and recyclers; and invited commitments to participate in the CIWMB’s ongoing plastic film recycling initiative.

Presentation materials from the conference are available on the CIWMB’s Plastics Information and Resources website. If you have questions about the conference, contact Mike Leaon or Christine Flowers-Ewing.

Plastic film recycling opportunities

Because of the new markets consuming recycled film plastics as feedstock, the increase in the price of virgin plastic feedstock, and the increase of diversion of these materials, there is an expanded opportunity to increase film plastics recycling, which includes:

• Plastic retail/grocery bags and dry cleaning bags.
• Transport packaging such as shrink wrap and pallet wrap.
• Agricultural film such as fumigation film, mulch film, hoop houses, bale wrap and silage (ag) bags.
• Construction film products.

Strategies include increasing the number of curbside recycling programs that accept plastic film from residential and commercial sites, increasing the number of consolidation points for drop off, and increasing the washing and processing capacity in California.

Contact information

For more information on plastic film recycling, contact Mike Leaon or Christine Flowers-Ewing.

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Plastic Bag Report

The Los Angeles City Council approved the Los Angeles River Plastics Industry Task Force final report and recommendations. This report provides information on the Los Angeles River plastic litter removal plan. The report can be accessed on the City of Los Angeles website. Select “Report from the Bureau of Sanitation.”

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Editor’s note

I hope you enjoyed this edition of infoCycling. Look for a Special Edition of infoCycling on the revised disposal reporting system regulations in the near future. Please contact me with suggestions on articles you would like to see included in infoCycling and announcements of events in your jurisdiction or at your State agency. You can e-mail me or reach me at (916) 341-6240.

Your comments and suggestions on infoCycling are always welcome!

Tracy

Last updated: December 28, 2007